32 THE QUEENS COURIER • MARСH 5, 2020 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM
Common Types
of Construction Site Accidents
If you work in construction, you face many hazards and dangers each day as part of your job.
Unfortunately, even if you exercise caution, there are many kinds of accidents that can
regularly occur on construction sites due to third-party negligence. If this is the case, you may
be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Some accidents happen more often than others, due to the nature of the work. Below are some
of the most common types of construction site accidents.
1. Height-Related Accidents
Accidents such as falls from heights or ladders, being struck by falling objects, and scaffold
collapses can result in traumatic injuries or fatality. According to statistics, 42% of
construction site fatalities involved falls.
Many of these accidents can be prevented if proper safety devices are provided to workers.
Known as the “Scaffold Law,” New York Labor Law § 240 was designed to protect those who
work on construction sites from height-related accidents and specifies certain safety gear and
devices that must be provided to workers. If a responsible third-party fails to provide such
protection, they may be held liable for your height-related accident injuries.
2. Demolition Accidents
Demolition frequently occurs on construction sites and often involves using explosives which
can place workers in imminent danger. Although demolition accidents are sometimes
unavoidable, construction workers should be provided with safety equipment and proper
training to lessen the risk of hazards. Depending on the circumstances, demolition injuries can
include burns, lacerations, traumatic brain injury, broken bones, paralysis and fatality.
3. Trip and Falls/ Slip and Falls
According to OSHA, trip and falls and slip and falls are among the most common causes of
injury on construction sites. Debris, defects, and holes in flooring, unsafe or broken stairs,
poor lighting, and grease or oil on floors are all factors that can contribute to injury. These
kinds of conditions can cause broken legs, sprained ankles, soft tissue injuries, lacerations,
traumatic brain injury and even paralysis or death in extreme cases.
4. Fires & Explosions
There are numerous conditions on construction sites that can lead to fires or explosions.
Chemical and gas leaks, equipment malfunctions, electrical issues, and improper handling of
flammable materials can result in accidents. Fire and explosion accidents on construction sites
can cause injuries such as first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree burns as well as
disfigurement, illnesses related to smoke inhalation, lung problems, and death. Depending on
the facts and circumstances that led to the fire or explosion, liability may fall on a
manufacturer of materials in addition to a sub-contractor, engineer, or another responsible
party.
5. Crane & Forklift Accidents
Cranes and forklifts are regularly used on construction sites and require special training to
operate. These pieces of machinery can hold and carry loads weighing tons and must be
operated with extreme caution. However, no matter how much care is used, lack of training,
machinery defects, and equipment failures can cause horrific crane or forklift accidents that
result in severe injuries or fatality.
Compensation for Construction Site Accidents
If you have suffered injuries related to a construction site accident, it can have devastating
effects on your life – emotionally, physically, and financially. If a third-party’s negligence
caused the injury, a construction site accident victim may be entitled to compensation for
unreimbursed medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, emotional
distress, and punitive damages in some cases. If a loved one was lost in a construction site
accident, the estate of the deceased may be entitled to commence a wrongful death action.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
It is important to contact a personal injury attorney immediately following a construction site
accident as there are strict statutes of limitation that begin running from the day of the
accident. A personal injury attorney experienced in handling construction site injuries can
advise you of your legal rights and remedies and help obtain you the compensation you
deserve.
Scott Baron & Associates, P.C. has been helping victims of construction site accidents obtain
the maximum compensation they are entitled to under the law for nearly three decades. With
offices located in Howard Beach, Queens and Yonkers, Scott Baron & Associates represents
clients in personal injury actions throughout New York City and the surrounding areas. Call
today to schedule a consultation.
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take the place of legal advice or form an attorney-client relationship. Prior results do not
guarantee similar outcomes.
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